Shoppers’ fears over future of Trafford Centre
SHOPPERS and staff at the Trafford Centre have spoken about their shock after owners Intu went into administration.
Retailers inside the centre remain open as usual for the time being.
Yesterday morning, a handful of shoppers could be seen waiting outside Marks & Spencer, Boots and Primark while the mall’s car parks were quiet.
Visitors to the centre, in Trafford Park, said they would be devastated if the mall was to close but remain hopeful another owner will take over.
Meanwhile, staff members said they were not too concerned over the collapse and believe somebody will take over the shopping centre soon.
Many said they believe Peel Holdings, the original owners of the Trafford Centre, will move in to take over again although it is understood that to date there have been no discussions about selling the building.
Bill and Louise Rigby, from Chorlton, who were waiting to shop inside Marks & Spencer, said: “I hope it can get sorted, it’s a big place. The amount of customers and people that come in, it’s a special destination.
“You can get everything here. All of the employees will find it hard.”
Julia Walker, from Salford, said: “I think it’s horrendous, all of the jobs in the centre associated with it are at risk.
“The borough as a whole has been affected by the pandemic and now this.
“It’s somewhere to come to. It would absolutely affect my life if it closed, it’s the only place I go to shop. It’s not just the shops, it is a community facility.”
Karen Palfrey, of Salford, said she has relied on the Marks & Spencer store for groceries during the pandemic.
She said: “It’s mad. I think Peel Holdings will buy it – it’s not going to go, it is too big to go.”
Other customers have rushed to the shopping centre to use gift vouchers over concerns they would no longer be valid.
Maria Byrne said: “I’ve got a gift voucher, it was a Christmas present. I’ve not used it because everything was shut due to Covid.
“I thought ‘Oh my God, I had better spend the gift voucher they might be void.’
“It’s £150, I was going to keep it and treat myself to holiday clothes.”
Trafford Centre staff members, some still wearing the orange branded Intu uniform, said they were not too concerned over the firm going into administration.
One worker, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “It’s happened before with big takeovers.
“I will be gutted if it does fall. It’s the farcical way of the world at the moment. I’m a customer that shops here too.”
Another staff member said: “I’m not that fussed. Everyone says Peel will buy it. I think it might shut for a week, but then it will reopen and it will be normal.”
Intu announced on Friday afternoon the company had gone into administration.
There are 200 shops, restaurants and attractions house inside the centre.